Devine Scripture

Ephesians 5:18

What does Ephesians 5:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 5:18 means

Paul forbids intoxication—“be not drunken with wine”—because it leads to “riot,” debauchery that dissipates self-control. In contrast, he commands, “be filled with the Spirit.” The issue is influence: do not come under the control of a substance; come under the gracious sway of God’s Spirit. Spirit-filling is not a one-time event but an ongoing condition where the Spirit saturates thoughts, affections, and will. The results are orderly, life-giving, and communal, not chaotic. This fullness empowers holiness, joy, and bold witness. Where wine blurs judgment, the Spirit sharpens discernment and produces fruit fitting for children of light, as the following verses describe.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And do not take overmuch wine by which one may be overcome, but be full of the Spirit;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and be not drunk with wine, in which is dissoluteness, but be filled in the Spirit,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury: but be ye filled with the Holy Spirit,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And be not drunk with wine, in which is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,

Context

After urging wise living and understanding the Lord’s will (vv. 15–17), Paul contrasts two kinds of filling: drunkenness that breeds recklessness and the Spirit’s fullness that produces godly community life. Verses 19–21 will unpack the evidences of being filled with the Spirit—edifying speech, heartfelt worship, constant gratitude, and mutual submission in reverence for Christ. Then verse 22 will apply this Spirit-formed posture to marriage relationships. The contrast highlights that Christian ethics are Spirit-empowered, not merely self-willed.

v.17Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

v.18This passage

v.19speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 63:3

    Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.

  • Zechariah 9:15

    Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.

  • Isaiah 5:11

    Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that tarry late into the night, till wine inflame them!

  • 1 Corinthians 5:11

    but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

  • Proverbs 23:29

    Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?

  • Luke 21:34

    But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

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